Description
That’s a creative and delicious way to repurpose leftovers into an appetizing new meal! Transforming leftover mac & cheese into a filling for grilled cheese sandwiches, and pairing it with shots of tomato soup, elevates comfort food to a fun and gourmet level. Here’s a simple approach to making this delightful dish:
Ingredients
Scale
For the Grilled Cheese:
- Leftover mac & cheese, chilled
- Sliced bread of your choice
- Butter, softened
- Slices of cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
For the Tomato Soup Shots:
- 2 cups tomato soup (homemade or store-bought)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Heavy cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Grilled Cheese:
- Preheat a Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of half of the slices, place a slice of cheese, a generous spoonful of cold leftover mac & cheese (spread it slightly but not too much), and another slice of cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the skillet, cooking them until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has started to melt, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press down slightly with a spatula for even grilling, but be gentle to keep the filling inside.
- Cut into Quarters: Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute. Then, cut each sandwich into quarters or smaller bite-sized pieces, suitable for serving as appetizers.
Preparing the Tomato Soup Shots:
- Warm the Soup: Heat the tomato soup in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warmed through. If you’re using homemade soup, consider blending it for a smooth texture.
- Prepare for Serving: Pour the hot tomato soup into small shot glasses or small cups. Garnish with a swirl of heavy cream and a fresh basil leaf for an elegant touch.
To Serve:
- Arrange the grilled cheese bites on a serving platter alongside the shots of tomato soup. Invite your guests to enjoy by dunking the grilled cheese into the soup shots or sipping the soup between bites of the sandwich.
Notes
This inventive combination of leftover mac & cheese grilled cheese with tomato soup shots not only makes for a delightful snack or appetizer but also brings a touch of whimsy to your table. It’s a fantastic way to utilize leftovers while offering your family or guests a comforting and nostalgic yet distinctly sophisticated culinary experience. Enjoy your creative kitchen adventure